sexualization: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, journalistic, critical discourse
Quick answer
What does “sexualization” mean?
The act or process of making something sexual in character or quality, or of treating something or someone in terms of their sexuality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of making something sexual in character or quality, or of treating something or someone in terms of their sexuality.
It often refers to the social or cultural process by which non-sexual aspects of life (e.g., appearance, behavior, objects) are imbued with sexual meaning. In critical theory, it denotes the imposition of sexual connotations on aspects of identity or culture where they were previously absent or less prominent, often in a problematic, reductive, or objectifying manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'sexualisation' (with 's') is standard and common in British English, while 'sexualization' (with 'z') is standard in American English. No difference in meaning.
Connotations
Identical across both dialects. The term carries the same critical/sociological weight.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and journalistic contexts than in everyday speech in both dialects. The American 'z' spelling is globally recognized due to digital media influence.
Grammar
How to Use “sexualization” in a Sentence
the sexualization of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., of children, of culture, of the female body)concerns about/over the sexualization of...lead to/result in sexualizationcriticize/condemn the sexualization of...debate surrounding the sexualization of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexualization” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Advertisers are often accused of seeking to sexualise childhood.
- The documentary explored how popular culture sexualises the female form.
American English
- Critics argue that the video game deliberately sexualizes its characters.
- There is concern that music videos are sexualizing youth at a younger age.
adverb
British English
- The characters were portrayed sexualisedly, which distracted from the plot. [Extremely rare usage]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form derived directly from 'sexualization'. Use phrases like 'in a sexualized manner'.]
adjective
British English
- The report highlighted the sexualised imagery in magazines aimed at teens.
- She objected to the highly sexualised nature of the Halloween costumes for girls.
American English
- The study focused on sexualized content in children's television programming.
- He wrote about the sexualized portrayal of athletes in the media.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in marketing ethics discussions or corporate social responsibility reports regarding advertising.
Academic
Common in sociology, media studies, gender studies, and cultural criticism papers analysing social trends.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used in informed discussions about media, society, and parenting concerns.
Technical
Used as a specific term in the fields of psychology, sociology, and media studies to describe a social phenomenon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexualization”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexualization”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexualization”
- Misspelling: 'sexualisation' in AmE or 'sexualization' in BrE (though both are understood). Incorrect pluralization (*sexualizations) – usually uncountable. Using it as a verb (*to sexualization) instead of 'to sexualize'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In contemporary critical and academic usage, it is overwhelmingly used to describe a problematic social process. It carries a negative connotation of reduction, objectification, or inappropriate imposition of sexuality.
'Sexuality' refers to a person's capacity for sexual feelings, orientation, or identity. 'Sexualization' refers to the external process of making something or someone sexual, often against their will or natural state.
Extremely rarely. It is a term of analysis and critique. To describe something becoming positively or neutrally sexual, words like 'erotic', 'sensual', or simply 'sexual' are more common.
The verb is 'to sexualize' (AmE) / 'to sexualise' (BrE). Example: 'The media often sexualizes public figures.'
The act or process of making something sexual in character or quality, or of treating something or someone in terms of their sexuality.
Sexualization is usually formal, academic, journalistic, critical discourse in register.
Sexualization: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkʃuəlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkʃuələˈzeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with this noun. The concept is expressed directly.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEXUAL' + 'IZATION' = the process of making something SEXUAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUALIZATION IS A LENS (viewing something through a sexual lens), SEXUALIZATION IS A PROCESS (a cultural/social manufacturing process).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'sexualization' MOST appropriately used?